Physical Inactivity and Obesity in the United States: At the Intersection of Politics, Socioeconomics, Race, and Culture

Efforts to reverse the physical inactivity (PI) and obesity pandemics in the United States (U.S.) have been unsuccessful. This commentary provides a view of PI and obesity in the U.S. from the intersection of politics, socioeconomics, race, and culture. On a national level, counties where the Democratic presi-dential candidate received more votes in 2020 than the Republican candidate had a lower PI and obesity prev-alence. The percentage completing some college and Black individuals as well as median household income were higher in counties where the Democratic candi-date received more votes. Regionally, unique, region-specific cultural identities and partisan coalition demo-graphics were apparent and serve as potential explan-ations for inconsistencies in PI and obesity prevalence across the U.S. Identifying the driving forces of PI and obesity within specific U.S. regions and crafting mes-saging that has optimal efficacy on a local level is essential to reducing the burden of cardiovascular dis-ease and other chronic conditions.

Automated summary

This commentary discusses the unsuccessful attempts to address physical inactivity and obesity pandemics in the United States, focusing on the intersections of politics, socioeconomics, race, and culture. The study found that counties where the Democratic presidential candidate received more votes had lower rates of physical inactivity and obesity, higher educational attainment, higher Black population, and higher median household income. Regional variations in cultural identities and partisan demographics were identified as potential explanations for the inconsistencies in physical inactivity and obesity prevalence across the country.